Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orchard Surgical Center?

Orchard Surgical Center of Salem, NH offers affordable surgeries that do not require a hospital inpatient admission are performed. They provide a safe, cost-effective, caring and convenient environment that is less stressful than a large hospital environment.

What time is my surgery?

Surgery center staff will call you the day before your surgery to tell you the time to arrive at the surgical center. If you have not received a call by 2:00pm on the day prior to surgery, please telephone the surgical center to ask about your surgical and arrival time.

What should I do if something comes up and I need to cancel my surgery?

Please call both your surgeon’s office and the surgical center as soon as possible. If you call after hours, an answering service will take your message.

How do I know if my insurance company will cover my surgery?

Please check with your insurance carrier to review your benefits and determine if pre-authorization is required. If you need assistance with this, the surgical center billing department will be happy to help you.

What do I do the day before surgery?

Please go to the Patient section of this website to review what to do before your surgery, the day of surgery, and after your surgery.

What should I bring the day of surgery?

Please bring a valid ID and insurance cards and information with you. Your doctor may provide you with a surgical center Registration Form that you can fill out and bring with you.

Please bring your list of medications, including the dosages. Also include a list of any supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins that you take.

Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home (including rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, and money). While we do our best to safeguard your belongings, they are best secured at home.

Will I be able to drive after my surgery?

If you are having surgery under anesthesia, with the exception of local anesthesia, you cannot drive, and must be accompanied home by a responsible adult. This policy is for your safety, and is strictly adhered to. You cannot take a taxi home, unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

Will my family be able to visit me immediately after my procedure?

Due to the need for privacy, we suggest that a limit of one or two family members visit the patient during the postoperative phase. We are happy to give family members waiting in reception periodic updates on the patient’s condition.

Additional information

It is very important that you are well prepared for your upcoming surgery. Please review the Patients section of this website for detailed instructions regarding your surgery.

Do I need pre-operative testing?

Most patients will not be required to have pre-operative testing. Any pre-operative testing required will be determined by your surgeon, anesthesiologist or as instructed by the pre-operative nurse.

What if I am pregnant?

The pre-operative nurse will ask you if there is a chance you may be pregnant. This is important, because anesthesia and medications may be harmful to your developing baby.

Why do you ask about illegal drug and alcohol habits?

A patient’s response to the anesthesia drugs may vary based on drug and alcohol usage.

Why can’t I smoke?

Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

When can I go back to work?

Return to work will be determined by your surgeon.

When can I resume exercise?

Return to exercise will be determined by your surgeon.

Why can’t I eat or drink anything after midnight?

Undigested food and liquids in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed if you forget to follow this instruction.

Can my significant other watch my surgery?

For safety and sterility reasons, the surgical center does not allow family members or others not on the surgical team to observe surgeries.

Why is the operating room so cold?

The operating room temperature is kept low for the maintenance of our equipment and to maintain sterility of our supplies. You will be kept warm throughout your procedure.

What happens if something goes wrong in surgery?

The surgical center has highly experienced anesthesia staff as well as recovery nurses that are trained in critical care and are in ACLS (Advanced cardiac life support) certified. In the event of an emergency, the patient is stabilized, then transferred via ambulance to the hospital of the physician’s choice.

Will I need an IV?

All patients receive an IV except those having local anesthesia.

Do I have to fill my pain medication prescription?

Patients are often comfortable when leaving the surgery center and do not think they will need anything as strong as a prescription pain pill. Your pain will be better controlled when you take your pain medication as prescribed. It is much easier to keep your pain under control than try to alleviate it with more medication once you are very uncomfortable. We recommend that you fill your prescription either prior to your surgery or have your ride fill it while you are in surgery. (Please note that most pharmacies will not fill prescriptions for narcotic pain medications without a written prescription.)

How can I help prepare my child for surgery?

We encourage you to discuss the procedure and anesthesia with your child prior to surgery to ease anxiety about surgery. Usually your child’s pediatrician will also have recommendations or tools to suggest to you.

What can my child eat prior to surgery?

Your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, unless otherwise specified by the pre-operative nurse.

Should I give my child his/her medication on the day of surgery?

Your physician will direct you whether or not to take medications on the day of surgery. This will also be discussed during your pre-operative phone call.

What should my child bring to the surgical center?

Comfort items, such as blankets, pacifiers, or a favorite toy are highly recommended. If applicable, diapers and wipes should be brought to the surgical center. It is a good idea to bring an extra set of underwear and pajamas. We will supply the hospital gown that is used in the operating room.

How soon after surgery can I see my child?

The operating room nurses will bring your child to the recovery room after surgery. Your surgeon will speak to you after the surgery is performed. As soon as your child is awake, the recovery room nurses will ask you to come in. Due to privacy issues we generally ask that only one parent visit with the child at this time.

Will my child get an IV?

Depending on the type of surgery scheduled, the anesthesiologist will determine whether or not an IV is required. Most children undergoing anesthesia will require an IV. Occasionally, the IV can be started after the child is asleep.

What if there is a complication during surgery?

The surgical center has highly experienced anesthesia staff as well as recovery nurses that are trained in critical care and are in ACLS (Advanced cardiac life support) certified. In the event of an emergency, the patient is stabilized, then transferred via ambulance to the hospital of the physician’s choice.

What if my child gets sick prior to the day of surgery?

If your child has a fever, symptoms of a cold, or other illness, call the surgeon and the surgical center, because your child’s surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Is it necessary to do the whole preparation?

The colonoscopy requires that you take a bowel prep or regimen of laxatives and a liquid diet. This ensures that your colon is clean and clear of stool for a better examination. It is very important that you follow the instructions given to you by your physician. If you feel you cannot finish the prep, please contact your physician’s office for instructions.

What if my prep makes me sick or dizzy?

Sometimes a bowel prep can make you nauseated or even cause you to vomit. If you do vomit or are unable to continue your prep, be sure to notify your physician immediately. The physician will instruct you on how to proceed with your preparation.

What should I bring on the day of my procedure?

Bring your insurance card(s) and reading glasses, and wear comfortable loose fitting clothes. Bring a complete list of your medications, including dosages and frequencies. Please do not bring jewelry, watches, money or other valuables to the surgical center. While we do our best to protect your belongings, they are best secured at home. The Orchard Surgical Center of Salem, NH will not be responsible for lost items.

Can I take my medication before the procedure?

Your physician will give you instructions regarding medications. If you are a diabetic, please contact the physician that manages your diabetes for specific instructions.

Why do I need someone to drive me home?

Even though sedatives wear off quickly after your procedure, they can affect your coordination for up to 12 hours. Technically, you are legally impaired. Therefore, for your safety and for the safety of others on the road, please bring someone to drive you home. Your procedure will be canceled if you have no one to drive you home.

What can I eat after I leave?

Generally diets are not restricted following the procedure.

Am I going to be “knocked out” for the procedure?

Most endoscopic procedures are done under what is called “conscious” or “moderate” sedation. This involves giving you one or more medications through an intravenous (IV) line. This type of sedation causes you to become drowsy and relaxed, and you may sleep during the procedure, not consciously aware of what is occurring. In addition, some medications produce a temporary short-term amnesia effect. Therefore, you may not remember anything that occurs during and sometimes for a short time after the procedure.

This type of sedation does not really “knock you out”. You will be able to breathe on your own and follow simple commands. For most patients, this sedation is more than adequate for their procedure. If you drink moderate to large quantities of alcohol, take sleeping pills, or are on anti-depressants or pain pills on a regular basis, this can alter the efficacy of the sedative. Be sure to discuss this with your physician prior to the day of your procedure.

What if complications occur during my procedure?

The Orchard Surgical Center of Salem, NH is fully equipped with the latest emergency technology and supplies. The registered nurses are trained in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).

How will I feel after my procedure?

After awakening from sedation, you may feel drowsy and sleepy for the remainder of the day. If you have an upper endoscopy, you may find yourself belching for a short time following awakening, and your throat may be sore, but usually you will be back to normal in 24 hours. If you have a colonoscopy, you may feel bloated immediately after the procedure, and you will be encouraged to expel the air. Do not be embarrassed – air was introduced during your procedure to dilate your colon for better viewing.

When will I get my results?

Your physician will usually be able to tell you how well your procedure went and possibly some preliminary findings prior to your discharge. If tissue samples were obtained, your physician’s office should be in contact with you in 7 – 10 days with the results. Many of our physicians require an email address to send results to.